Travel by Rail - Travel by Rail: Changing Lives in Early AmericaThe railroad played an important role in the development of the United States. It started with wheels and rails, and really took off with the use of the power of steam. In less than sixty years, railroads evolved from horse-drawn carts on wooden rails to steam-driven locomotives pulling millions of tons of cargo and passengers on steel rails, over bridges and through tunnels, across plains, rivers, in the highest mountains and deepest valleys. There were burning umbrellas, surveyors taking measurements while dangling by ropes from mountain tops, brakemen riding on top of cars in snow and sleet, and bouncing passenger cars lit by candles. The railroad changed lives in early America. Learn about our fascinating history through stories and illustrations.
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